CFL lights vs Incandescent lights

By buying CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lights) instead of traditional Incandescent Light Bulbs you will save electricity. Using Compact Fluorescent Lights reduces electricity usage use which equals to saved natural resources like coal, oil and gas. Less usage of fossils fuels reduces greenhouse gasses which will slow down global warming. Another benefit of changing to CFL for your lighting needs is financially. It will save you money over time.

Advantages of CFL

Reduced Electricity Consumption

Longer lifespan than Incandescent Light Bulbs.

Disadvantages of CFL

Higher purchase price

They contain mercury which needs to be disposed of in an environmentally process

Running cost compared between CFL and Incandescent Light Bulbs

CFL Light

Incandescent

Watt

20

100

Hours

8

8

Price Kwh

80 cent

80 cent

Yearly price

R 46.72

R 233.60

Compared to incandescent light bulbs Compact Fluorescent Lights have a much lower running cost. The higher purchase price of CFL’s is quickly offset by their lower running cost. So it makes sense or cents to replace your old incandescent light bulbs with new CFL of a lower wattage. Under normal circumstances your CFL should last about 5 times longer as the old incandescent light bulbs. This alone already offsets the higher purchase price. Another advantage is you have to replace your CFL’s less often which means saving time.

In conclusion, you should replace your old incandescent light bulbs as soon as possible. The only real disadvantage of a a CFL is the tiny amount of mercury left behind. There are many shops nowadays who provide a free collection point for CFL so they can be recycled and disposed of in a responsible and environmentally friendly way. So don’t delay and start saving money now and save the earth from global warming. Replace your old technology with new.

In certain countries you are not even able to buy incandescent light bulbs or they are restricted to a low wattage.